Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 3, 2022

Vinegar Syndrome goes into the Cannon Films vault to examine their attempt to participate in the slasher film trend, bringing “X-Ray” and “Schizoid” to UHD, looking to improve on the lackluster 2013 Blu-ray release of the movies.

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Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

See above for reviews.

Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

See above for reviews.

Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Schizoid

• "A Wellesley Graduate" (5:58, HD) is an interview with actress Flo Lawrence, who shares her initial casting story. She has high praise for director David Paulsen, and recalls some elements of the shoot, working late nights at a facility owned by Cannon Films. Lawrence also discusses her approach to topless dancing, trying to remain in-character to best understand the moment.

• "Shooting by March" (6:43, HD) is an interview with writer/director David Paulsen, who details his whirlwind experience on "Schizoid," reconnecting with co-producer Menahem Golan, who gave him one night to come up with a story to turn into a film. Scripted in two weeks and shot on a $350,000 budget, "Schizoid" launched into production, with Golan insisting on the participation of Klaus Kinski to help satisfy a contract. Kinski is described as a "character," but the two managed to stay friendly, communicating in French during the shoot.

• "Blood in the Jacuzzi" (7:02, HD) is an interview with makeup artist Erica Ueland, who explores her career at the time of "Schizoid," returning to L.A. with a job offer on the film. Production responsibilities are detailed, and the interviewee offers her memories of actors and David Paulsen. Ueland mentions a car accident that occurred during this time, shaking her up, and she closes with some moviegoing philosophy.

• "Hide the Scissors" (5:21, HD) is an interview with actress Donna Wilkes, who was just about to accept a job as a restaurant server before she received a call to do "Schizoid." Wilkes discusses how she relates to parts of the character, and provides an assessment of co-stars. Acting challenges are analyzed, including an accidental stabbing that occurred on-set. The interviewee remains surprised by the cult following for "Schizoid," noticing how often the title comes up during her convention appearances.

• And a Trailer (1:39, HD) is included.

X-Ray

• "Ultra Violet Vengeance: The Talent and Technicians of 'X-Ray'" (26:47, HD) is a making-of for the film, featuring interviews with cinematographer Nicholas Von Sternberg, wardrobe assistant Carin Berger, gaffer Alan Caso, make-up artist Allan Apone, first assistant camera David Boyd, and actors Jimmy Stathis and Jon Van Ness. Hiring stories are shared, with the gig involving five weeks of night shooting inside an empty hospital. The interviewees celebrate director Boaz Davidson and mention the appeal of working on a set with star Barbi Benton. Cast and crew camaraderie is detailed, and several anecdotes are offered, exploring the production process. The gang goes into their individual job duties, emphasizing lighting choices and special effects.

• "Bad Medicine" (13:01, HD) is an interview with director Boaz Davidson, who explores his formative years in Israel, growing up with an interest in moviemaking, making his way to London to attend film school. Eventually meeting producers Yoram Globus and Menahem Golan, Davidson went from a competitor to a collaborator, accepting the job on "X-Ray" after the original director was fired. The interviewee discusses the hospital location and his time with star Barbi Benton, working to add atmosphere to the feature to help performances. He closes with a curious story about a viewer who interpreted "X-Ray" as a comedy, which wasn't Davidson's intent.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Schizoid / X-Ray 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The "X-Ray"/"Schizoid" double feature release deals with two underwhelming movies, but Vinegar Syndrome gives them a tremendous upgrade with 4K scans, also sweetening the package with new and old interviews detailing the making of the features, providing fans with a substantial release.